From September 11 – October 9, 2011, the Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries will present paintings by New York artist Susanna Coffey. The exhibition features Coffey’s austere yet powerful paintings, many which investigate internal and external conditions using self-portraiture and flora. Penny Park, Associate Professor of Art and Art History at Wright State University curated the exhibition.

“While very contemporary, Susanna Coffey’s paintings stem from figurative painting tradition,” explains Park. “She is known for her self portraits with extraordinary sense of color and beautifully built-up paint surfaces. Her work over the last several years explores the relationship of the individual with society and the natural world.”

Coffey was born in New London, Connecticut, and she received her BFA from the University of Connecticut. She then went on to earn her MFA from Yale University in 1982. Her work is in a number of collections and has been exhibited in solo and group shows across the United States, Spain, Italy and Greece. The artist is represented by Valerie Carberry Gallery in Chicago.

On Sunday, September 11, Ms. Coffey will present a free public lecture at 2:30 P.M. in Wright State’s Creative Arts Center, with a reception to follow in the Robert & Elaine Stein Galleries until 5:30 P.M.

The exhibition is made possible with support by the Ohio Arts Council, the Friends and Members of the Galleries and the Wright State University College of Liberal Arts.